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NewsABC Action News (WFTS) — NewsSeptember 11, 2026Hillsborough County

Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles reports data breach involving Plant City police employee credentials

Photo: ABC Action News (WFTS) — News

State officials report that credentials belonging to a Plant City Police Department employee were exploited in a data breach involving the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles. The incident, attributed to an international cybercriminal organization, was mitigated on September 4, 2026, and is currently under criminal investigation.

Data BreachCybersecurityLaw EnforcementState Government
Read the full story at ABC Action News (WFTS) — News

Why It Matters

A state agency involving police department may expose sensitive government or citizen data, prompting multi-agency state investigations and mandatory reporting to the Attorney General.

Key Facts

  • Credentials belonging to a Plant City Police Department employee were used in a data breach involving the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles.
  • The breach was conducted by an international cybercriminal organization.
  • The login information was improperly stored on a personal electronic device.
  • FLHSMV learned of the breach on September 4, 2026, and mitigated the incident.
  • Officials stated there is no ongoing breach.
  • FLHSMV provided the required notice of the security breach to the Florida Attorney General's Office under state law.
  • The agency is working with the Florida Digital Service and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement.
  • Officials did not release details about what information may have been accessed or how many people may have been affected.
  • The incident remains under an active criminal investigation.

Who's Mentioned

OrganizationFlorida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles“The agency that experienced the data breach and launched an investigation.”OrganizationPlant City Police Department“Employee credentials were used in the data breach.”OrganizationFlorida Attorney General's Office“Provided with the required notice of the security breach under state law.”OrganizationFlorida Department of Law Enforcement“Working with FLHSMV as part of the criminal investigation.”OrganizationFlorida Digital Service“Working with FLHSMV as part of the response to the breach.”